Gala Owes Mou

Didier Drogba claims that the former Chelsea boss influenced his move to Turkey.

Published: February 09, 2013 at 08:41Updated: February 09, 2013 at 08:41

Mourinho & Drogba

GOAL

New Galatasaray signing Didier Drogba has revealed that before agreeing to move to Turkey he consulted his former coach, Jose Mourinho. The ex-Chelsea star said he was delighted to have returned to Europe with the Istanbul-based club after his brief and unhappy spell in China.

At Galatasaray, Drogba will link up with national team-mate Emmanuel Eboue, who also influenced the striker's decision.

"Before signing, I talked with Eboue a lot. I talked with Mourinho and some other guys and everybody said that Galatasaray is a very big, passionate and unique club." Drogba told Galatasaray TV in a recent interview.

The former blue then talked about his desires for the future and the message they want to send out. "Being at Galatasaray with [Wesley] Sneijder means a message to Europe's big teams. I want to win Champions League again. We'll do our best [in our last 16 clash] against Schalke."

The Ivorian explained the reasons why he elected to wear the No.12 shirt, while thanking his new fans who came in droves to witness his arrival.

"I choose No.12 because No.11 is in use and No.12 reminds me of my daughter's birth date," he added.

Gala coach Fatih Terim is delighted at the arrival of the Champions League winner and is sure he will improve his side. "I'm very happy at signing a player of Drogba's quality," Terim said. "He is a very important striker. We have a strong squad and Drogba will make it stronger."